64%Curlew have suffered a 64% decline from 1970 to 2014. See page 24


for more information on how you can help


Let us know your views Email: editor@gwct.org.uk Letters to: Editor, GWCT, Burgate Manor, Fordingbridge, Hants, SP6 1EF


Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT)


@Gameandwildlife


Win a WJ Bowman Super Trap


STAR LETTER


Guidance for helping curlew Dear Editor


Having submitted the details of the curlew nest we have on our Lancashire farm, I was pleased to read the guidance given regarding best practice on managing your land for curlew. Our land is well drained, providing dry nesting areas, plus a few ponds with boggy surrounds which allow the adults to forage. Much of the pasture is left longer and not


overgrazed for the benefit of hares and grey partridges – if this is also helping curlew chicks then that is wonderful news. Alan Taylor Lancashire


Andrew Gilruth director of communication replies:


Firstly, thank you for taking the time to let us know about the curlew on your farm. It sounds like you have created a healthy


habitat in which they can breed and, hopefully, for chicks to fledge. As you have noticed, management for some other species can provide suitable conditions for curlew and the attention you have paid to avoid disturbance is also likely to be a benefit. Please do keep us informed of any developments at www.actionforcurlew.com – see page 24 for more information on how you can help.


Why I support the GWCT I


nitially I supported the GWCT as it scientifically provided best practice for the rural environment. Having got to know the organisation better, two other significant branches have become evident: very wide-ranging rural research from water voles and woodcock to soil run-off and headland strips; and active political lobbying defending the rural way of life that is under increasing threat from ignorance.


Tim, keen countryman W


e believe it is important to support the Trust in its on-going invaluable work in our countryside. As farmers we feel the research conducted by the Trust is central to understanding the environment


www.gwct.org.uk


in which we work and play. Information based soundly on the principles of science is so very important when looking at how best we can continue to protect our beautiful surroundings, and promote conservation and best practice, now and for the future. We need hard facts for credibility – and that is what the Trust is so good at. Solid information is of central importance if we are to continue to preserve the wonderful habitat and species diversity abundant in this country, and therefore protect our surroundings and way of life. Mr and Mrs Smith


I


have been lucky enough to be able to enjoy the countryside from an early age. My pleasure


Thanks to WJ Bowman we have a Super Trap Junior complete with Sled Stand. The Junior is their most compact manual trap, weighing just 7kgs with its sled stand. The trap is easy to transport and set up. The Junior can throw standard, midi or mini clays. It will throw a standard clay 50 metres plus. The trap is simple to operate and can be quickly positioned to give many types of target.


Please send your letters to: The Editor, Gamewise, GWCT, Fordingbridge, Hants, SP6 1EF Email: editor@gwct.org.uk


* We reserve the right to edit letters for inclusion. Best letter is in editor’s opinion. Letters are the opinion of the writer and are not necessarily the views of the Trust.


increased as I became involved with shooting as a sport and have been able to spend the last 30 years gaining access to some of the most picturesque landscapes in the country because of this passion. I realised a few years ago that I must not take for


“...with knowledge comes great


understanding”


granted the sport I love, and that it was only right to try and give a little back. I had, like many, heard of the GWCT and it appealed to me initially as it is a non-political organisation. The information it provides is based on facts gained by science and research, not fiction targeted at political agenda. The more I got involved the more I realised


that the link between shooting, farmers and landowners is in many cases held together by funding that is secured by GWCT research projects. The behind the scenes work that the Trust does enables management programmes to be implemented that directly benefit me as a shooter, but more importantly the countryside and its wildlife as a whole. Supporting the GWCT should be compulsory to anyone like myself who derives so much pleasure from the countryside and field sports. Finally, it is said


that with knowledge comes greater understanding. My understanding for my sport and the countryside has without doubt increased since my involvement with the GWCT. I look forward to still learning more and supporting the Trust for many years to come. Richard Wright, Northants Chair 2010-2016


GAMEWISE • SUMMER 2017 | 7 Have your say


LETTERS |


© Laurie Campbell


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